Windows & Mac / macOS
Mac & MacBook Help.
Having trouble with a MacBook, iMac or Mac mini? Start here for practical help with macOS, storage, apps, startup behaviour and the settings you use every day.
Useful places to start on a Mac
Storage & space
On recent macOS versions, check System Settings → General → Storage before deleting files.
Apps not opening
Check your macOS version and app compatibility before trying a reinstall.
Wireless problems
Test another trusted network or accessory to isolate the cause before resetting anything.
Mac / Practical solutions
Mac and macOS troubleshooting guides
Browse the latest Mac-focused explainers and fixes as they’re published.
No Mac or MacBook articles are published in this section yet. Start with the checks above, or explore related device help.
Mac and macOS first checks
Work out what changed on your Mac
A Mac that is running out of space, refusing to open an app or dropping Wi-Fi may not need a reinstall. Before making a major change, note the macOS version, the affected app or device and whether the issue began after an update. Keep a reliable backup of important work.
Storage or performance warning
Check the storage categories shown in macOS settings and see whether one app is using unusually high resources in Activity Monitor. Do not remove unfamiliar system folders to gain space. If you use cloud storage, confirm which files are actually stored offline before deleting them. Temporary slowdowns during indexing or updates can differ from persistent problems.
An app will not open
Check whether the app supports your macOS version and whether the issue involves one account or the whole computer. Verify updates through the developer or Mac App Store. If the app stores local projects, templates or licenses, make sure they are backed up before reinstalling or deleting supporting files.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or an external display fails
Test whether the same network works on another device and whether another known-compatible cable or accessory behaves normally. For Bluetooth problems, check which Mac or phone the accessory is paired with. For displays, model-specific resolution, port and adapter support matter. Avoid resetting every network setting before narrowing the fault.
Check Apple Mac Support for current instructions. Our Windows & Mac and Wi-Fi & Bluetooth sections can help you find a related topic. Hardware faults, liquid damage and persistent startup failures may require authorized service.
Back up important work before deleting files, reinstalling macOS or changing startup settings. For wireless issues, go to Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Fixes; for PCs, use Windows 11 Help. See our editorial policy.